Head-On Collision Fatally Injures Two Oakdale Residents
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death lawyer. A head-on collision near Riverbank left two parties with fatal injuries and four others with minor injuries on August 7, 2018. Shortly before 7:20 in the evening, a 2000 Toyota was traveling westbound along Patterson Road in the vicinity of Langford Road at an approximate speed of 40 to 45 mph. At the same time, a woman and her three children were traveling eastbound along Patterson Road at about the same speed in a 2014 Dodge. For unknown reasons, the Toyota driver abruptly veered into the oncoming traffic lane and in the direct path of the Dodge. The motorist of the Dodge was unable to react in time which resulted in both vehicles striking one another head-on. The impact of the collision propelled the Toyota into a ditch, causing it to overturn onto the driver’s side and become submerged. Emergency personnel were called to the scene to extricate the two occupants of the Toyota and render aid. Unfortunately, it was too late as both parties of the Toyota were pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials have identified the Toyota driver as a 16-year-old girl and the passenger as 44-year-old Hector Evangelista of Oakdale.
I would like to send my healing thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of the two parties as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.
Accident Investigation
Preliminary reports by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) suggested that seat belts were used by all occupants of both vehicles at the time of the auto accident. It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs played as factors to the collision. An exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined due to ongoing CHP investigation.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Auto accidents are usually caused by driver negligence and often prove fatal in some extreme cases. If this situation applies to you as a family member, you may have the grounds to bring a wrongful death claim against the party responsible for your loved one’s death. These type of claims cover different areas of damages such as costs of a funeral and burial, lost benefits, inheritance and future financial support, loss of affection and companionship, and emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the death. Medical expenses incurred before a family member’s passing may also be recovered in a survival action. Punitive damages may also be considered if the decedent passed away due to the intentional wrongdoing or negligent acts of another party. For more details, contact an experienced attorney.
How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
Traffic accidents cause many traumatic injuries and unnecessary fatalities each year. When an accident claims the life of a loved one, insurance companies for the liable parties often try to settle claims immediately by making relatively low offers. Surviving family members may be tempted to accept these offers due to financial hardships resulting from the death. For these reasons, it is crucial to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney in Modesto to protect your family’s right to fair compensation of your loved one’s unfortunate demise.
Wrongful Death Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto wrongful death lawyer. Any death resulting from a motor vehicle accident is one fatality too many. If your family has lost a member in a crash due to the negligence of another, I am genuinely sorry for your loss. Please give me a call any time at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive compassionate, free and friendly legal advice.
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